Bar & Restaurant Expo, the premier event for independent bar and restaurant owners and operators, names its 2027 advisory board, bringing together hospitality leaders who will help shape the event’s programming, educational content and overall attendee experience.
The newly-structured advisory board reflects the show's continued focus on independent operators. Representing restaurants, bars and hospitality groups from across the United States, members bring experience in brand building, team leadership, business growth and guest experience innovation.
As Bar & Restaurant Expo prepares for the March 22-24, event in Las Vegas, the advisory board will help guide the development of an increasingly operator-focused experience, including peer-to-peer educational programming centered on the challenges and opportunities facing hospitality businesses.
“Bar & Restaurant Expo has always been about bringing this industry together, but for 2027, we’re putting an even greater emphasis on learning directly from the people doing the work every day,” said Brandy Rand, vice president and market leader, Hospitality Group, Forge. “Our advisory board represents an incredible range of entrepreneurs and hospitality leaders who understand firsthand what it takes to build and run successful businesses. Their perspectives will help us create an event that is practical, relevant and built around what operators need right now.”
2027 Bar & Restaurant Expo Advisory Board
- Ebony Austin, owner, Nouveau Bar & Grill
- Mike Bausch, owner, Andolini's Worldwide Restaurant Group
- Keith Bracewell, managing partner, Bar Boheme
- Fritz Brogan, managing partner and co-founder, Mission Group
- Ryan Cole, CEO and partner, Hi Neighbor Hospitality Group
- Rachel Cope, founder and CEO, 84 Hospitality
- Andrew Corbett, co-owner, WKND Hospitality
- Abdul Elenani, CEO and co-founder, Anani Hospitality Group
- David Kaplan, co-founder and CEO, Death & Co
- Patrick Lee, partner, Grafton Group
- Nectaly Mendoza, owner, Herbs & Rye, Cleaver, Morning News and Middle Child
- Tim Miller, managing partner, Pappas Restaurant & Sports Bar
- Josh Pearson, co-owner, The Commonwealth
- Philip Settimo, senior general manager, Best Friend
- Jonathan Sterling, executive chef, Best Friend
- James Trees, chef/partner, Esther’s Kitchen, Ada’s Food & Wine, Bar Boheme, High Steaks and Al Solito Posto
The advisory board will work alongside the Bar & Restaurant Expo team to provide industry insight and identify timely topics to help shape educational experiences that put operators in conversation with their peers. The 2027 event will continue the operator-first approach across the show, giving attendees opportunities to discover new products and solutions, learn from fellow hospitality professionals and make connections that can move their businesses forward.
For more information, visit barandrestaurantexpo.com.